Guns N’ Roses fans are in for a heck of a year in 2022. Two major releases are on tap from the band, along with the fourth solo album from Slash. The guitarist confirmed plans for an expanded box set celebrating 1991’s twin Use Your Illusion albums, which he said was due next summer. Before that, Guns N’ Roses are releasing expanded editions of their digital single “Hard Skool”.
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine has teamed up with Gibson for a new range of guitars. Titled the Dave Mustaine Collection, the first release is the Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V EXP, which has just been released in limited quantities in two finishes: Silver Metallic and Antique Natural. Both guitars sold out within hours, but Gibson say they plan to release more units in February.
In the History of Rock in 1969 – Eric Clapton joined John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band as part of Peace for Christmas, a benefit concert. George Harrison, Billy Preston and Keith Moon also took part in the performance. The concert was the last live appearance that Lennon ever made in his home country.
In 1977 – Two days before they are due to appear on Saturday Night Live and start their first US tour, The Sex Pistols are denied visas to enter the country. Johnny Rotten was refused because of a drug conviction, Paul Cook and Sid Vicious because of ‘moral turpitude’ and Steve Jones because of his own criminal record. Two weeks later, after an appeal by lawyers for Warner Brothers Records, the US Immigration Service would reverse its decision.
And in 1999 – The Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren, announced that he was running for the Mayor of London. He said he would be campaigning for brothels, pot shops and boozing in libraries. “I changed London with the Sex Pistols, I can change London as Mayor.” We will never know; he did not win the election.